Radek Černý
A steadfast Czech goalkeeper who carved out a respected, journeyman career, finding a second home in English football after a decade as a Slavia Prague stalwart.
Born 1974 (age 52)·Czech footballer·Birthday: February 18·Generation X
Biography
Radek Černý's story is one of quiet reliability. The goalkeeper spent his formative years as the last line of defense for Slavia Prague, becoming a fixture during the club's early years in the independent Czech First League. His consistency earned him a move to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur in 2005, where he served as a dependable deputy, stepping in with calm assurance when called upon. His time in England stretched to eight years, including a spell at Queens Park Rangers, proving his adaptability in a foreign league. Černý's career lacked the flash of superstardom, but it was defined by a professional's steadiness, a quality that saw him return to Slavia for a final, sentimental curtain call before retirement. He represents the essential, often unsung, professionals who form the backbone of the sport.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Radek was born in 1974, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Radek Was Born
The biggest hits of 1974
#1 Movie
The Towering Inferno
Best Picture
The Godfather Part II
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Radek's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1974Born
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1979Started school
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1987Became a teenager
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1990Could drive
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1992Could vote
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1995Turned 21
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2004Turned 30
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2014Turned 40
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 50
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 52 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 200 appearances for Slavia Prague across two spells, helping define the club's modern era.
- Played 8 seasons in English football for Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers.
- Earned three caps for the Czech Republic national team between 2000 and 2002.
- Won the Czech Cup with Slavia Prague in 1997 and 1999.
Did You Know?
He made his competitive debut for Tottenham in a UEFA Cup match against Slavia Prague, his former club.
During his time at Spurs, he was known for his distinctive, brightly colored goalkeeper kits.
He played in the 2008 League Cup final for Tottenham, which they won against Chelsea.
After retiring, he returned to Tottenham Hotspur in a coaching role within their academy.
“I just try to do my job for the team, to keep the ball out of the net.”
